Lois M. Evans, 74, of Hampstead, NH died Wednesday May 12, 2010 at her home surrounded by her children. Lois was born in Derry, NH on August 3, 1935, daughter of the late Charles H. and Lucille E. (Guilmette) Fortier. She graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry in 1953 and later from St. Joseph's Infirmary School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA where she became a registered nurse. In 1956 she married Lawrence S. Evans, her high school sweetheart and love of her life.
During the 1960's and 70's Lois made a home for her family in E. Derry where she raised their four children. In 1974 she returned to nursing at Hoodkroft Convalescent Center in Derry as a charge nurse and later supervisor of nursing. After working at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, Lois found her true gift was in caring for the elderly. She worked as Director of Nursing at Alpine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Derry where she was responsible for all facets of nursing care. From 1991 to 2001 Lois continued to work for the benefit of the sick, disabled and elderly in the capacity of a surveyor with the NH Dept. of Health and Human services.
Lois volunteered at the thrift shop at the Hampstead Public Library and enjoyed having lunch with her friends. Lois lived each day with purpose, had high family values and strived for excellence in her work. She loved family gatherings, holidays, boat rides, her children and grandchildren and her sheltie "Katie". Lois was a lifelong learner.
Lois is survived by her four children, Michael Evans of Boston, MA, Deborah Harvey and her husband John of Berwick, ME, Tim Evans of Derry, and Terri Sirois and her husband Ted of Merrimack, NH, five grandchildren, Ryan Harvey, Rebecca Harvey, Tiffany Evans Redmond, Christopher Evans and Jessie Evans, her siblings, Robert Fortier of Deering, NH, Charles Fortier of Londonderry and Lucy Fortier Hebert of Tilton, NH, also nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence S. Evans in 2003 and by her two grandchildren, Justin Harvey and Precious Moments Evans.
Calling hours were held on Sunday May 16th from 1 - 3pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday at 10:30am in St. Anne's Church, Emerson Ave., Hampstead. Cremation followed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Rockingham County Nursing Home, Residents Fund, 117 North Rd., Brentwood, NH 03833 or to the National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter, 101a First Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.